Jane Eyre: Chapter 22 & 23

First of all, Grace Poole is a suspicious character to say the least. Her continuous chuckling in the mitts of the hidden door, led me to believe that she was even crazier then I had first perceived her. I think that Grace Pool is related to Mr. Rochester's "error" of his youth, and it would do nothing less then benefit her own nature to be rid of him. Otherwise she would not have attempted to kill Rochester in his sleep. As for the events that took place on the third story, I am not sure what to make of that. There are pressing reasons to believe that it was Grace that left the bite marks on Mr. Mason, but then again, if Grace was such a vicious untrustworthy character would Mr. Rochester be so confident in leaving Jane alone with her and Mason unattended? I think that this book in the next few chapters is going to take a turn of fate, and the real mystery is going to become clear. As we were saying in class, this is just another point in which it would be in Charlotte Bronte's best interest to keep us lingering.
Moreover, the proposal to Jane in chapter XXIII came as no surprise. Charlotte Bronte achieved successfully setting us up for this event. However, one thing that I did find strange was Mr. Rochester's proposal to transport Jane to Ireland, to live with a family of five. I take this as another one of his tests, his way of questioning Jane's love. He wouldn't want to put himself out there by asking for her hand to be shut down. He wanted this to answer his questions to whether or not Jane had feelings for him. Which was answered when she burst out in tears and replied that she was afraid of the distance, being so far away from Thornfeild Hall, Adele and last but not least from him. In addition to this, upon asking for her in marriage, she questioned him. Which threw me for a curve ball. I was lost in her confusion. At first it seemed as if she was going to refuse the offer, and leave Mr. Rochester unsatisfied. However, when she finally accepted the request, I felt relief.
During this scene, my mind was bouncing off of many different ideas. With every word I questioned another future for Jane. If she were to say no, what would she do? She would go on her way to Ireland to work for the family, but then she would have to come back to him at one point. If she was to say yes (which she did), would she and Mr. Rochester live together happily, or is there yet another mystery to take place. Also, what if Mr. Rochester was to be joined with Ms. Ingram, what would take place the night prior to the wedding between Jane and him. Thus, when I finally did get her answer, questions were still left unanswered. I hope that the chapters to come convey as much mystery and excitement as these two chapters did. Yeah! :)